Roane_Letter_002_46980

Knoxville 18th June 1802 Sir General Wilkinson and Col. Butler wrote to me some time ago that it was the order of the Executive of the United States that the road to be opened in the route to Natchez should be commenced at Nashville and requested the concurrence of the State to licence and give permanen cy to such an establishment --- The Legislature not being in session application was made to the Courts of Davidson and Willliamson Counties to pass orders to have the road viewed and marked as far as the Indian boundary line. --- I have been informed that no difficulty will occur with respect to the county of Davidson, they are anxious that the road should be opened and will agree to any convenient route The Court of Williamson County (which joins the Indian line) have made orders that a road be viewed and marked from the Indian Boundary where it intersects the road to Natchez cut by the troops of the United States, the nearest and best way to Franklin (the County town) and from Franklin the nearest and best way towards Nashville to the Davidson County line --- I am informed Col. Butler declined opening the road in that route alleg ing that he is not authorized by his orders because the road by Franklin will be three or four miles longer than a direct route from the boundary line to Nashville -- It was contemplated to remove all difficulty by endea vouring to procure the consent of the owners of the lands thru which a road in the most direct rout would probably pass but on inquiry this is found to be impracticable at present as many of the proprietors are non-resident. It is to be regretted that an object so highly important to the citizens of this State and Kentucky cannot be carried into

immediate effect. As there will not be a stated session of the Legislature of this state sooner than fifteenth months -- as the Court of Williamson County probably will not recede from their orders -- as the road through Franklin would meet the General approbation of the Citizens most immediately concerned permit me to indulge a hope that Col. Butler's orders only be renewed, and that he may be authorized to open the road through Franklin as laid off by the order of the court. Your attention is sollicited to this application, with a request that it may be stated to the President and that I may be informed of the result as soon as convenient. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect Your Most Obed Servant Archibald Roane Hon'able Henry Dearborn Secretary at War